June 24, 2016
Pomare Day commemorations in Waitara
It’s a big weekend for Taranaki with the annual Pomare commemorations.
The event is held at Owae Marae in Waitara in the house that Apirana Ngata had carved for his friend and colleague after the doctor and former MP died in 1930.
Wharehoka Wano from Taranaki and Te Atiawa says it’s a chance for the iwi to take stock.
" We acknowledge our mate today on Pomare Day. Taranaki are bringing their mate at 1 o'clock and other parts of the country are coming in at 3. So harimate te kaupapa o tenei ra and then tomorrow it's the big memorial on the things that Pomare did 100 years ago. He was a statesman, he was a Ngati Mutunga, Taranaki man, he was in parliament. It's a good opportunity to acknowledge the good things he did," says Wharehoka Wano.
Guest speakers this year include historian Monty Soutar, New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd, Whanganui River claim negotiator Gerard Albert, and a New Plymouth district councillor is expected to reveal whether he will contest Te Tai Hauauru for the Maori Party.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com